LEGAL EMPOWERMENT IN TRANSITION COUNTRIES: THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX
ANDRIY VYSHNEVSKY Head Coordination Centre for Legal Aid Provision Future Directions on Access to Justice Conference, Ottawa, 16 June 2016
THE LEGAL AID SYSTEM IN UKRAINE 5 000 SELECTED LAWYERS 100 LOCAL CENTRES (FROM JUL 01, 2015):
Representation of interests of vulnerable clients in civil and administrative cases:
low-income; disabled; war veterans; orphans, etc.
Legal consultations 25+2 REGIONAL CENTRES (FROM JAN 01, 2013):
Defence in criminal proceedings Early access to legal aid for detainees Access for imprisoned 1 COORDINATION CENTRE
45 000 000 total UKR population 8 000 000 are eligible for legal aid
ROLE OF THE LEGAL AID SYSTEM AS A PUBLIC INSTITUTION Has significant impact on other ongoing reforms in Ukraine
Provides legal services to individual clients
LEGAL AID SYSTEM
Helps to prevent violations and protects human rights in general
IMPACT OF THE LEGAL AID SYSTEM ON ONGOING REFORMS
Reform of Police
LEGAL AID SYSTEM
IMPACT
Reform of Prosecution
Decentralisation
GAINING PEOPLES’ TRUST DURING THE REVOLUTION OF DIGNITY
LEGAL AID NEEDS
Litigation
20 %
80 %
Legal information and consultation
ORGANISATIONAL MODEL: INDEPENDENCE AND COMPETITION OF PROVIDERS
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION! www.legalaid.gov.ua